Wipeout in the Zone

Game review by
Mark Raby, Common Sense Media
Wipeout in the Zone Game Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 10+
(i)
Kinect controls allow faithful recreation of the game show.
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Kids say

age 8+
Based on 1 review
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A lot or a little?

The parents' guide to what's in this game.

Positive Messages

While this game doesn't provide a real strong message, it does encourage players to get up off the couch to play, and because it is much more fun with additional players, it also encourages playing with family or friends.

Positive Role Models & Representations

The game's hosts provide voice-over commentary that is snarky and sometimes undermines the player's efforts. Instead of providing positive, reinforcing comments, much of their dialogue is focused on making fun of players when they mess up.

Ease of Play

Many of the missions and objectives in this game are challenging, and some of the Kinect motion controls are difficult to get used to, but just like in the TV show, no one is expected to perform each zany stunt perfectly. Players compete to receive the highest score, and it is really more about having fun than anything else.

Violence

Just like the TV show on which this game is based, players can literally come face-to-face with dangerous obstacles (wildly shaking platforms, objects that pop out of the ground or wall, etc). If players are unable to navigate through these obstacles, they are likely to fall in a pool of water or mud. Additionally, there are clips from the live-action TV show in which real human contestants get smacked around from the obstacles. All of the violent content, of course, is contained within the spirit of a TV game show and is meant to be very light-hearted.

Sex
Language

Irreverent voice-over commentary is prevalent throughout the game. While there are no swear words or explicit dialogue, the constant in-your-face comments, like "Well slap my rear and call me Paul Revere," add a slight edge to the game's experience.

Consumerism

This game is based on the TV game show Wipeout. There are clips from the TV show, making it serve as a sort of advertisement for the show.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Wipeout in the Zone is a collection of mini-games based on the TV game show Wipeout. Many of the crazy stunts and obstacles from the show are included, such as the infamous "big balls" that players must jump across to avoid falling into a pool below. Because everything is contained in the spirit of a game show, the violent content (e.g., falling down and getting punched or kicked by obstacles) has minimal impact. The voice-over commentary is also sometimes a bit over-the-top.

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User Reviews

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Kid, 11 years old October 7, 2011
age 8+

ABC and Activision take a 2nd wipeout

From insulting announcer comments to frustrating gameplay, one of the most suffering games of the year is In the Zone. The motion controls work well 35% of the... Continue reading
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What's it about?

Wipeout in the Zone is based on the TV game show Wipeout, in which players have to compete in wacky physical stunts that range from jumping across shaking platforms to dodging wildly swinging obstacles. Players need a Kinect motion camera to play this game, as the tasks require all sorts of full-body maneuvers.

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Is it any good?

WIPEOUT IN THE ZONE does a good job in recreating what is a very physically taxing game show. For the most part, the stunts involve jumping or moving at in time with the on-screen actions. Some of these are relatively uninspired, but others are much more challenging and interesting. The addition of clips of highlights from the show are nice for Wipeout fans, as well as those who are new to the show.

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Talk to your kids about ...

  • Families can talk about other games that require physical activity. What other exergaming titles do you like playing?

  • Is the commentary from the hosts appropriate?

  • What makes the stunts in the TV show safe?

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Game details

  • Platforms: Xbox 360
  • Price: $49.99
  • Available online? Not available online
  • Developer: Activision
  • Release date: June 14, 2011
  • Genre: Exergaming
  • ESRB rating: E10+ for Mild Cartoon Violence, Comic Mischief
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